How are broken lines and coloring used in international design applications?

In international design applications, broken lines and coloring can be used to indicate matter shown in a reproduction for which protection is not sought. According to MPEP 2920.04(b):

“In addition to the use of broken or dotted lines to indicate matter shown in a reproduction for which protection is not sought, Administrative Instruction 403 permits such matter to be indicated in the description and/or by coloring.”

Key points:

• Broken or dotted lines can indicate environmental structure or portions of the article not part of the claimed design.
• The description can explain the meaning of broken lines or coloring.
• Coloring can be used to indicate portions for which protection is not sought.

It’s important to note that the use of these techniques should be clearly explained in the specification to avoid any ambiguity about the scope of the claimed design.

To learn more:

• International Design Application
• Broken Lines
• Coloring
• USPTO
• Patent Procedure